The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

GuideDear Parents,

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) is committed to helping today’s girls become tomorrow’s leaders. Our goal is to help every girl everywhere grow as a Girl Scout. The Girl Scout Program is girl-driven, reflecting the ever-changing needs and interests of today’s girls. Through Girl Scouts, girls can develop qualities that will serve them all their lives—leadership, strong values, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois is dedicated to providing an accepting and nurturing environment where girls can build character and skills for success in the real world. We offer high-quality programing and flexible ways for girls to participate in Girl Scouting throughout 16 counties in Northern Illinois.

This guide is designed to help you understand more about our program, so your daughter can fully participate in all the great things Girl Scouts has to offer. We know you want the best for your daughter. Let us help you give her the opportunities that could change her life!

One girl can make a difference. Girls together can change the world!

The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

www.girlscoutsni.org

The Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

WelcomeFamily

What are the benefits of Girl Scouting?In Girl Scouts, girls experience a safe place where they are encouraged to try new things—a place where they will learn to become decision-makers and leaders, while gaining confidence and self-esteem. Fun, age-appropriate activities encourage girls to practice leadership skills that are based on the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law (cover). These activities are directly tied to specific outcomes, such as: valuing cultural diversity and individual uniqueness; educating and inspiring others; and making a difference through community service and action.

The Three Keys of LeadershipDiscoverGirls understand themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world.

ConnectGirls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally.

Take ActionGirls act to make the world a better place.

15 Outcomes of the GSLEDiscover D1. Girls develop a strong sense of self. D2. Girl develop positive values. D3. Girls gain practical life skills. D4. Girls seek challenges in the world. D5. Girls develop critical thinking skills.

Connect C1. Girls develop healthy relationships. C2. Girls promote cooperation and team building. C3. Girls can resolve conflicts. C4. Girls advance diversity in a multi-cultural world. C5. Girls feel connected to their communities, locally and globally.

Take Action TA1. Girls can identify community needs. TA2. Girls are resourceful problem solvers. TA3. Girls advocate for themselves and others, locally and globally. TA4. Girls educate and inspire others to act. TA5. Girls feel empowered to make a difference in the world.

The Three ProcessesThese are what makes the Girl Scout experience different from school work and other activities!

Girl-Led: Simply means that girls are playing an active part in figuring out the “what, where, when, how and why” of their activities. This means girls are more engaged in playing a critical role as decision-makers in the planning and implementation of their activities

Learning-By-Doing: Is a “hands-on” learning process that engages girls in continuous cycles of action and reflection resulting in a deeper understanding of concepts and mastery of practical skills.

Cooperative Learning: Takes place when all members of a group are working together towards a common goal. It is designed to promote sharing of knowledge, skills, and learning in an atmosphere of respect and cooperation as girls work together on goals that can only be accomplished with the help of others.

GSUSA Membership DuesThe $15 annual (October 1—September 30) membership dues are paid directly to Girl Scouts of the USA to provide national and international opportunities for girls and adults and supplemental medical insurance. Financial Assistance is available—see GSNI’s website for procedure and appropriate forms.

Troop DuesTroops may also have “troop dues” which might cover the cost of activities, badgework and field trips. Financial Assistance is available—see GSNI’s website for procedure and appropriate forms.

How Girl Scouting works in GSNIGirl Scouts of Northern Illinois’ jurisdiction is divided into 42 geographic service areas, called service units. Volunteers in service units function as a team in order to provide Girl Scout activities to the local community.

GSNI’s nearly 5,000 adult volunteers administer the Girl Scout program directly to girls. GSNI provides training for all of their volunteers and has strict standards regarding criminal background checks and adherence to Girl Scouts of the USA Safety Guidelines. All volunteers are supported by a network of both experienced volunteers and GSNI Staff.

About the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)

2

Volunteer OpportunitiesThere area a variety of ways adults can participate in Girl Scouting! Volunteer your time and talents:

• Lead a Troop • Plan Events • Train Volunteers • And so Much More!

Visit our website for more information and volunteer position descriptions.

PathwaysThe experience can be as individual as each girl!

It’s easier than ever to take part in Girl Scouting. Whether girls are looking for a year-round or short-term option, what’s unique about Girl Scouts is that there’s not just one way to be one!

Troop: A great introduction to “Girl Scouting and the most common pathway for girls in grades K–5. Meeting regularly, girls can share incredible experiences with girls their own age, from adventures to community action, all while having fun.

Camp: Does she love learning about nature and the environment? Girls can choose to camp with us by day or overnight.

Events: Most girls have more than one passion. Choose events centered on her favorites, whether it’s performing science experiments, creating art projects, cooking simple meals, or learning to protect the planet’s water supply.

Series: Girls in middle and high school can also take part in this pathway that lets them explore their interests together in a way that fits their schedules.

Travel: Where girls see new places, meet new people and learn about different cultures and ideas.

Whatever pathway she chooses, we design activities to teach girls about themselves and their world. Her year will be filled with the kind of moments she just can’t wait to tell everyone about!

Age LevelsGirls involved in Girl Scouts work together in their appropriate age level. The following list describes each of the levels.

Daisy (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)

Brownie (2nd–3rd Grades)

Juniors (4th–5th Grades)

Cadettes (6th–8th Grades)

Seniors (9th–10th Grades)

Ambassadors (11th–12th Grades)

I can’t wait to . . .Teach her something newShow her what’s possibleBe her role modelHelp her shineBe a volunteer.

3

www.girlscoutsni.org

JourneysA key part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) is the Journeys program, a coordinated series of activities grouped around a theme, each with a clear starting point (an invitation to explore and take action) and an ending point (an opportunity to reflect, reward and celebrate).

Each Journey includes fun, challenging and purposeful activities tied to some or all of the 15 National Outcomes (pg. 2) for girls.

Journeys help girls: • Gain a global and multicultural perspective. • Learn about the history of Girl Scouting and

its traditions. • Embrace the values expressed in the Girl Scout Law

(cover). • Become environmentally aware and develop attitudes

and self-understanding that promotes healthy living.

The Girl’s Guide to Girl ScoutingThe Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting , (or GG2GS) is the girl handbook for each program level. Although described as a book for girls, it is a comprehensive resource for volunteers as well.

This book has three main sections: • Girl Scout Traditions • Cookie Program Activities • Earned Awards (badges, Safety Award, etc.)

Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards • Girl Scout Bronze Award—The highest award a Girl

Scout Junior (grades 4–5) can earn is the Bronze Award. Once a girl has completed a Junior level Journey, she can work with her troop to earn her Bronze Award

• Girl Scout Silver Award—The Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6—8) can earn. Girls must complete a Cadette level Journey before beginning to work on their Silver Award.

• Girl Scout Gold Award—The highest award a Girl Scout can earn is the Girl Scout Gold Award. Girl Scout Seniors (grades 9–10) and Ambassadors (grades 11–12) work individually to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award. Girls must complete the prerequisites before submitting their project proposals. Please visit our website for more information.

Scholarship OpportunitiesGirl Scouts can apply for several different scholarships.

• Girl Scout Ambassador Scholarship • Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship

Please visit www.girlscoutsni.org for more information.

Religious RecognitionsGirl Scouts at each level can earn the My Promise, My Faith award. The requirements may be found in the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. Religious Recognition programs are also developed and administered by each of the major religious groups themselves. Girls who choose to participate in one of these programs do so outside of their regular group meetings with a group of girls guided by a spiritual counselor or with their own families. For more information, please visit our website.

Volunteer RecognitionsEach year, GSNI holds a Volunteer Recognition Event to honor our volunteers who have been nominated by their peers for national awards. All volunteers are special and vital in meeting the mission of Girl Scouting. We ask for your help identifying those extraordinary volunteers who go above and beyond, who are always there to help, who have made an extraordinatry impact on your troop, service unit, or community, and who deserve special recognition.

Anyone—parents, troop leaders, volunteers, and girls can nominate a volunteer for an award. All the forms can be found on our website.

“I think that my Gold Award Project will help me to be a better leader throughout the rest of my life.”–Girl Scout Ambassador

4

Product ProgramsAn integral component of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, your Girl Scout learns five important skills when participating in GSNI’s product programs.

Additionally, your Girl Scout’s troop receives a portion of sales proceeds from both the Fall Product Program and Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girl Scouts also earn reward items they may choose according to sales level, as well as “Cookie Dough” or “S’More Dough” for the Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Programs.

Girl Scout Fall Product Program—GSNI’s Girl Scout Fall Product Program occurs during October and November, with delivery of the products to troops in late November.

Girl Scout Cookie Program—GSNI’s Girl Scout Cookie Program usually has girls taking orders during a three-week period in January. Troops may also hold a Girl Scout Cookie Booth during the months of February and March.

For both of these programs, please be sure to follow safety guidelines in the information distributed to your Girl Scout. These programs are intended to be a learning experience for the girls. Through their participation, girls develop skills they will use for their entire lives.

Each service unit should have a Girl Scout Fall Product Program Coordinator and a Girl Scout Cookie Program Coordinator. If your Girl Scout is registered individually (not in a troop), she will receive information about both programs. If she doesn’t, please contact your local GSNI Service Center and dial extension 7250 to reach our Product Hotline.

Help Her Succeed!Help transform the philanthropic landscape for women and girls. To honor our legacy of providing leadership opportunities to girls:

Annual Gifts to GSNI support day-to-day operations to deliver the nation’s premier leadership experience to nearly 17,000 girls in our council. Annual gifts may support where GSNI needs it most or be designated to financial assistance, travel assistance, scholarships, or camperships.

Family Partnership is an opportunity for Girl Scout families to make a financial investment to support their own Girl Scout’s leadership journey. In 2014, GSNI will invest $265 in each girl to participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Your entire $15 membership fee goes to Girl Scouts of the USA and we raise approximately $200 per girl through product sales, program, and camp fees. That leaves a gap of $65 per girl to raise from donors like you. Participate in the Family Partnership campaign today and open the doors to all the promise and possibility in your Girl Scout . . . She’s worth it!

Matching Gifts—Many companies match employees’ gifts to charitable organizations. The impact of your gift could be doubled or possibly tripled! Some employers will also donate to the organization for volunteer hours served by their employees. Contact your Human Resources Dept. to find out if your employer sponsors a matching gift program.

Gifts-In-Kind—Non-cash gifts of materials or services are another way that individuals and businesses can support GSNI.

Corporate/Foundation Giving opportunities are available throughout the year to support key program areas of science and technology, financial literacy, healthy living, environmental leadership, and global citizenship. Companies and organizations who partner with GSNI help provide girls the important leadership skills they need to become our future business leaders.

Honorarium and Memorial Gifts are the ideal way for you to honor your loved one. An honorarium is made in honor of someone still living while a memorial is in memory of a person(s) who is deceased. Birthdays, anniversaries, recognition of an award, graduations or the passing of someone are appropriate times to honor or remember those close to you, especially if they have a connection to Girl Scouts.

Juliette Low Society is for those who wish to leave a legacy for the future of girls. Juliette Gordon Low’s bequest was the beginning of planned giving to Girl Scouts. In her memory, the Juliette Low Society was formed to thank and honor friends of Girl Scouting.

1. Goal Setting2. Decision Making3. Money Management4. People Skills5. Business Ethics

5

www.girlscoutsni.org

Glossary of TermsBadge—are recognitions earned by Girl Scouts upon completion of required activities in a particular subject area. Badges are official GSUSA recognition and should be worn on the front of the vest or sash.

Cookie Dough—refers to a coupon girls earn as a reward during the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girls may use Cookie Dough to pay for council events and activities or to purchase items in any of our GSNI stores.

Council—is a not-for-profit corporation chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to provide Girl Scout programing in a specific jurisdiction. Your council is Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI), with Service Centers in Elgin, Freeport, Rockford, Rock Falls and Sugar Grove.

Council Product Program—council-wide program of authorized, tangible products, such as Girl Scout Cookies, nuts and candy, or magazines, in which Girl Scouts participate.

Daisy Petals—The Girl Scout Promise Center and ten learning petals are earned by Girl Scout Daisies upon learning the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

destinations—are travel opportunities that give girls ages 12–17 (some are age-specific) a chance to go somewhere new, do something different, and meet people from everywhere you can imagine.

Emissary—active, registered Girl Scouts in grades K–12 who want to promote the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in their local community.

Fun Patches—are given to Girl Scouts of all ages and adults for specific fun activities. Fun patches are unofficial recognitions and should be worn on the back of the vest or sash—adults can wear fun patches on a shirt, vest, jacket, etc.

Girl Scout Emissary Network—are Girl Scouts of any program level who represent GSNI in the media, in the community, and in council publications. Other opportunities available include photography and blogging. For more information, please contact Ann-Marie Soderstrom at 815-962-5591, Ext. 7172.

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)—is the national organization chartered by the United States Congress to direct and coordinate the Girl Scout Movement across the country.

Girl Scout Mission—Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scout Promise and Law—the spiritual force and ethical code accepted by all Girl Scouts. (See cover)

National Leadership Journey—Journeys are the core program of the Girl Scouts National Leadership Experience. They can be customized by the girls as they plan their Girl Scout experience and learn about the world around them. There are three Journey series with books for each program level: It’s Your World—Change It!, It’s Your Planet—Love It!, and It’s Your Story—Tell It! See www.girlscoutsni.org for additional information.

Program Aides (PAs)–are registered Girl Scouts who are in grades 6–8 who have taken appropriate training and are willing to assist leaders by teaching specific skills to younger Girl Scouts.

Program Level—there are six grade-designated program levels. Each level participates in age-appropriate activities that allow girls to Discover, Connect, and Take Action.

Safety Activity Checkpoints—national publication which contains Girl Scout program standards. This can be found on the GSNI website.

Service Units—are geographic subdivisions within the council for the purpose of troop organization and communication.

Service Teams—are groups of volunteers who support Girl Scouting in a specific Service Unit. Volunteer position descriptions can be found on the GSNI website.

S’More Dough—like Cookie Dough, this is an earned coupon for individually registered girls (not in a troop) during both the Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie Programs. S’More Dough can be used to pay for council events and activities or to purchase items in any of the GSNI stores.

Troop Leaders— are adult volunteers who meet regularly with a troop of Girl Scouts to help them achieve the purpose of Girl Scouting.

Uniforms—Girl Scouts at each level have one official uniform item (sash, tunic, or vest) for the display of official pins and awards. While not required for Girl Scout membership, this official uniform is required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement.

6

“I love Girl Scouts because I have made great friends and learned a lot about them and learned about myself too.“–Girl Scout Brownie

Girl Scouts’ Responsibilities • To attend and participate in meetings and outings

• To fulfill obligation of dues, and have permission slips signed by a parent or a guardian

• To complete any missed activities

• To pass along important information to parents, guardians, or volunteers

• To accept and abide by the Girl Scout Promise and Law (cover)

• To conduct themselves in a safe manner

Parent Responsibilities • To see that your daughter arrives and is picked

up on time for all meetings, outings, and events

• To help your daughter fulfill Girl Scout responsibilities (dues, permission slips, snack, uniform, etc.)

• To be supportive of your daughter in her Girl Scout endeavors (help her to complete missed activities)

• If possible, notify the volunteers ahead of time if your daughter will not be at a meeting or activity

• To check with your daughter’s leader or volunteer for any important news or permission slips that may need to be signed, and return completed paperwork promptly

• To assist the volunteers during meetings or activities on a rotating or as needed basis

• To keep in contact with your daughter’s leaders or volunteers

• To discuss any issues that arise with your daughter’s leaders or volunteers privately, not in front of the girls

• To help the volunteers establish and maintain a positive environment by talking with your daughter about acceptable behavior and by setting a positive example yourself

• To let your daughter know that you consider her participation in Girl Scouting to be important and special

• To attend parent/guardian meetings, group activities, and special ceremonies

7

www.girlscoutsni.org

GSNI FacilitiesGSNI’s Service Centers are located in Elgin, Freeport, Rockford, Rock Falls, and Sugar Grove and house most of GSNI’s employed staff. You can find a complete staff list and contact information on www.girlscoutsni.org.

GSNI Council Stores—In our stores, you can find everything your Girl Scout will need, from the Journey books to uniforms . . . from badges to awards. You can also find Girl Scout “fun-wear” items and accessories, as well as gift items for your favorite Girl Scout. Check out our online store at www.girlscoutsni.org. Stores are located in each of the Service Centers and the Girl Scout Express located in Barrington. ** Updated Service Center and Store Hours **

Elgin Service Center Phone: 847-741-5521 Fax: 847-741-5667 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Elgin Council Store is open until 7 p.m. on Mondays and the 1st Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.—1 p.m.

Freeport Service Center & Council Store Phone: 815-235-8777 or 800-925-3327 Fax: 815-235-2468 Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Rockford Service Center Phone: 815-962-5591 or 800-242-5591 Fax: 815-962-5658 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Rockford Council Store Hours: • Monday, Wednesday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. • 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Rock Falls Service Center & Council Store Phone: 815-997-5100 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center & Council Store Phone: 630-897-1565 Fax: 630-466-7018 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Sugar Grove Council Store is open until 7 p.m. on Thursday and the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.—1 p.m.

Girl Scout Express Phone: 847-620-5043 Hours:

• Monday–Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. • Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. • Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. • Sunday, 12 Noon–4 p.m.

GSNI CampsMary Ann Beebe Center 17501 Streit Road Harvard, IL This 295-acre camp serves as a program facility, troop overnight facility, and a day or twilight campsite.

Chapman Hills N9377 Scout Road East Troy, WI This 105-acre facility offers indoor and outdoor overnight capabilities.

Camp Dean 46W253 Camp Dean Road Big Rock, IL This facility is available for resident camps, troop camping, and girl programming throughout the year.

Camp Far Horizons 9702 S. Lost Horizon Road Hanover, IL This facility is used for troop camping and programming throughout the year.

Camp McCormick 9995 N. Girl Scout RoadStillman Valley, IL This facility is located a few miles south of Rockford, IL and serves as a resident camp, provides opportunities for troop camping, and girl programming year-round.

8

“My children have enjoyed three camps since they have been in scouting. All of the camps were great fun and my girls always wanted to go again.”–Girl Scout Parent

Summer Hours All Service Centers close at 1 p.m. on Fridays

from May 26–September 1.

Girl Scout Express is open Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

Council Map

9

www.girlscoutsni.org

August Important Dates:

9 Emissary Casting Call

10 National S’mores Day!

26 Women’s Equality Day (Women’s right to vote in US)

September Important Dates:1 Labor Day—All Service Centers Closed

1 GSNI Summer Hours End

6 Volunteer Training Blitz

7 Grandparent’s Day

9 Emissary Casting Call

13 Volunteer Training Blitz

20 Thin Mint Sprint & Samoa Family Fun Fest

October Important Dates:1 New Membership Year Begins

1 National Animal Safety & Protection Month

1 Family Health Month

5-11 National Fire Prevention Week

6 National Child Health Day

10-24 Fall Product Sale

13 Columbus Day (Observed)

16 World Food Day (UN)

16-19 Girl Scout National Convention, Salt Lake City

19-25 Teen Read Week

19-25 National Chemistry Week

23 GSNI Service Centers Closed for All-Staff Meeting Off-Site

31 Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday (Founder, Girl Scouts)

November Important Dates:1 Child Safety and Protection Month

2 Daylight Savings Time Ends (Fall Back!)

4 Election Day

10-16 World Kindness Week

11 Veterans Day

13 World Kindness Day

15 America Recycles Day (Keep America Beautiful)

20 Universal Children’s Day (UNICEF)

21 Great American Smoke-Out Day (American Cancer Society)

27-28 GSNI Service Centers Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

December Important Dates: GS Cookie Kick-Off(s)

2 Giving Tuesday

19 GSNI Service Centers Closed for Holiday Staff Party

24-31 GSNI Service Centers Closed for Winter Break

January 2015 Important Dates:1 GSNI Service Centers Closed for New Year’s Day

9-30 Girl Scout Cookie Sale

Council Calendar of Events

10

My Girl Scout Information:

My daughter is a Girl Scout ____________________________________ (Grade level)

Troop Number ___________________________________

Service Unit ______________________________________

Troop Leader’s Name ______________________________________________________

Troop Leader’s Phone Number ____________________________________________

Troop Leader’s Email Address _____________________________________________

Troop Leader’s Name ______________________________________________________

Troop Leader’s Phone Number ____________________________________________

Troop Leader’s Email Address _____________________________________________

Her troop meets at _______________________________________________ (location)

on _________________________ (day of the week/how often)

from ________________ (start time) until ________________ (end time).

Notes:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

11

www.girlscoutsni.org

www.girlscoutsni.org

Elgin Service Center12N124 Coombs RoadElgin, IL 60124847-741-5521

Freeport Service Center5040 Bus. Rt. 20 WestFreeport, IL 61032 815-235-8777 or 800-925-3327

Girl Scout Express 200 Applebee StreetBarrington, IL 60010847-620-5043

Rock Falls Service Center229 First Avenue, Suite 1Rock Falls, IL 61071815-997-5100

Rockford Service Center2820 McFarland Road Rockford, IL 61107815-962-5591or 800-242-5591

Sugar Grove Service Center 200 New Bond StreetSugar Grove, IL 60554630-897-1565